Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (HCV) is an infectious disease affecting primarily the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus. When people refer to HCV, they are actually talking about a family of related virus strains.

Today, there are six major genotypes (or strains) of HCV and more than 50 subtypes. These genotypes share some common gene sequences (or traits) with other HCV genotypes, but differ in others.

How common is Hepatitis C?

Approximately 3 million people in the United States have chronic HCV, most of them born from 1945-1965. Most were likely infected during the 1970s and 1980s, before the donor blood supply was screened for HCV.

How is Hepatitis C transmitted?

HCV is transmitted mostly through large or repeated exposures to infectious blood or body fluids such as:

Injection drug use

As a recipient of donated blood, blood products, and organs (before 1992)

Needlestick injuries in the health care setting

Mother to childbirth transmission from an HCV-infected mother

Unprotected sex with a person infected with HCV

Unsanitary tattoo procedures with contaminated equipment

Questions regarding your Hepatitis C therapy?

You can reach the Accredo Hepatitis C care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week by phone or online.

Note: Most messages received via the online contact form will be responded to within one business day of receipt, Monday - Friday (excluding holidays). For urgent matters, please call us for immediate support.